Hampton`s Knee Right On Schedule

Hampton will be on crutches for five more weeks because of arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Feb. 12.

``I had a bunch of cartilage that was kind of ripped and torn up from the season. He cleaned it all out and made it look pretty,`` said Hampton from his home in Arkansas.

Last year, Payton had surgery on both knees by Dr. Johnson, one of the pioneers of the arthroscope.

For Hampton, the surgery was his third on the right knee. The second was last May by Bears` physician Dr. Clarence Fossier.

``We were trying to get ready for the season and we never really quite got the job done,`` said Hampton. ``I think we got it done now.``

Dr. Johnson takes a conservative approach to rehabilitation. Eight weeks on crutches after arthroscopic surgery is a longer time period than most National Football League players would be allowed during a season.

``I`m going to stick by his game plan because it worked so well with Walter,`` said Hampton. ``I don`t have to gain 1,500 yards, but every little bit helps.``

Hampton is one of four Bears who underwent knee surgery after the season. Guard Kurt Becker was the latest patient. Dr. Fossier operated last Thursday to repair Becker`s right kneecap.

Guard Stefan Humphries and linebacker Dan Rains also are recovering from knee operations.

Fullback Calvin Thomas underwent surgery Feb. 7 to repair a chronic problem with his left shoulder. Thomas is due to get out of his sling Tuesday. Next week, he will have surgery on his right shoulder, according to Bears`

trainer Fred Caito. Both shoulders were susceptible to dislocations.

Caito said receivers Ken Margerum and Brian Baschnagel, who had knee operations before and during the season, apparently have healed. They will be tested fully at the team`s mini-camp May 23-26.